How To Install a Queen Cell

Meagan shows you how easy it is to install a new queen cell in your colony.

How To Transfer Bees from our Pro Nucs

Before your bring your bees home from Elzner Farms, check out this video on how to transfer them from our Pro Nucs into your permanent equipment. Set yourself up for success from Day 1!

How To Use a Hive Tool

Let’s look at several basic methods of using a hive tool. Because bees seal their hives with propolis, this mini crowbar is needed to pry open the boxes and frames.

Hive Tools are very common and can be purchased at your local beekeeping supply store. We buy ours here.

How to Make 1:1 Ratio Sugar Syrup

When it’s time to feed your bees, we’ve got you covered. Here is a basic guide to making 1:1 ratio sugar syrup to feed your bees. This recipe is enough for a 5 gallon bucket and can be made right from your kitchen.

Our favorite tip? Use a paint mixer drill bit to make your life easier.

How to Light a Smoker

It’s one of your first steps, and not as easy as it looks. We’ve been there, and are here to offer you some helpful hints. We prefer using dried pine needles or burlap for kindling, along with a scrap of paper towel for tinder, and a torch lighter.

Find a smoker that’s right for you. We typically buy ours from Dadant or Mann Lake and prefer wood bellow to plastic

How to Check for Varroa Mites

Ready for a mite check? Follow these simple instructions for the alcohol wash method. The mites detach from the bee during the wash, which can then be counted.

We recommend the Varroa Easycheck vessel by Véto-pharma.

For more information on mites, visit the Honeybee Health Coalition’s website.